Medium-Term Strategy (2002 – 2007) for the Africa RegionDocument drawn up following the Director-General’s consultation withthe National Commissions for UNESCO of the Africa Region

The universal vocation of UNESCO is strengthened by its capacity act taking into account the diversity of its Member States and the specificity of the various geographical areas. It is for this reason that the Medium-Term Plan of the Organization for 2002-2007 merits clarification through an African Regional Strategy in the fields of competence of UNESCO. This is particularly important for the Sub-Saharan African Region, an area that is part of the priorities of the Organization. In terms of peace and human development, this region is confronted with immense challenges, some of which are without parallel elsewhere in the world. These challenges are not destined only for each of the countries that make up the region, but also for the international community as a whole. Vis-a-vis these challenges, a new dynamic is dawning in Africa, aiming at a collective and concerted assumption of responsibility towards the principal stakes of peace and development. This dynamism manifests itself quite notable through the New Partnership for the Development of Africa (NEPAD).